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Reflection for Sunday 07/05/09

READINGS
First Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

REFLECTION:
Jesus had been very successful as he traveled through Galilee. News of his preaching and the miracles he performed preceded him and the crowds grew increasingly larger. He made his way back to his hometown Nazareth where family and friends welcomed him. But when he began to preach in the synagogue on the Sabbath they began to back away. “Who does Jesus think he is to be talking to us like this?” they muttered. “He’s just the son of our neighbors, Mary and Joseph.” “He’s a carpenter, not a teacher.” They were offended that Jesus would come back home and presume to preach to them. Jesus must have been disheartened by their response. He had been eager to share his message with them and expected that the people he knew and loved would respond with at least the same enthusiasm others had displayed. But the people of Nazareth wanted to see only the familiar. They were unwilling to accept the change in Jesus or the challenge in his message. They were comfortable with the way things had always been and did not want to change. Don’t we sometimes respond this very way to the prophets in our lives?

1. Who do you call “prophet” today? How do you respond to him or her?
2. What keeps you going when you don’t have support?

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, free me from my fears and my prejudices. Help me to recognize the prophets and teachers you send to lead me closer to you. Amen

Mass Readings